Mitsubishi ES-X63131 Paint Film for Rigid Thermoplastic Parts

The “Mitsubishi ES-X63131 Paint Film for Rigid Thermoplastic Parts” standard, developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese automobile manufacturer, describes a procedure for determining the quality of paint film on rigid thermoplastic parts.

Paint films are divided into four groups according to their applications:

PD-0: Interior paint film - High temperature part paint film
PD-1: Interior paint film - Standard temperature part paint film
PD-2: Exterior paint film - Matte paint film
PD-3: Exterior paint film - Standard paint film

Parts requiring high wear resistance should have the symbol “M” added (e.g., PD-0M) and indicated in the drawing. For example, ashtrays, knobs, wheel covers, etc.

Parts requiring sunscreen resistance should have the symbol “H” added (e.g., PD-0H) and be indicated in the drawing. For example, door switch panels, gear shift paddles, etc.

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply:

Interior paint film: This refers to the paint film on the plastic product that is directly visible from the seating position.
High-temperature part paint film: This is the paint film on parts exposed to direct sunlight through window glass and reaching high temperatures, such as the top surface of the instrument panel, door trim, and rear shelf.
Standard temperature part paint film: This is a paint film other than those listed above.
Exterior paint film: This refers to the paint film on plastic parts exposed to direct weather conditions on the exterior of a finished vehicle, such as doors and trunk lid, when the doors are closed.
Matte paint film: This is a painted paint film with a matte finish.
Standard paint film: This is a paint film other than those listed above.

In the rapidly evolving world of materials engineering, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has long been a pioneer in advanced polymers and films designed specifically for industrial applications. One notable innovation is the ES-X63131 standard paint film, specifically designed for rigid thermoplastic parts. This unique product combines Mitsubishi's expertise in film-forming technology, surface treatment, and thermoplastic composites to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional painting processes. As industries grapple with environmental regulations and the demand for efficient production, the ES-X63131 standard emerges as a benchmark that delivers high-quality surfaces without the drawbacks of conventional coatings.

Traditional painting of plastic components, particularly rigid thermoplastics like polycarbonate or ABS used in automotive interiors, consumer electronics, and construction materials, involves multiple steps including surface preparation, priming, painting, and curing. These processes are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also contribute to air pollution and health risks by producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is where paint films come in: thin, pre-colored polymeric layers that can be laminated or molded onto parts during manufacturing.

What sets the Mitsubishi ES-X63131 standard apart is its formula optimized for rigid thermoplastic surfaces. This formula provides adhesion, flexibility under tension, and long-term performance. The key properties of a paint film conforming to this standard are as follows:

Superior adhesion and compatibility: Designed for bonding to rigid thermoplastics such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polycarbonate. Utilizing Mitsubishi’s proprietary coating technologies, the film’s surface treatment promotes strong interlayer adhesion, reducing delamination risks even in high-vibration environments like automotive instrument panels.
Environmental resistance: Thanks to integrated UV stabilizers, this standard offers exceptional weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It is resistant to yellowing, cracking, and fading, and outperforms solvent-based paints in accelerated aging tests. Low smoke generation during combustion further enhances its appeal for safety-critical uses such as public transport or building panels.
Aesthetic and functional versatility: Offering a variety of color and surface options from matte to glossy, the film supports high-resolution printing for custom designs. Its smoothness rivals painted surfaces, while allowing for complex shapes through thermoforming or insert molding (processes where the film is placed in a mold and filled with molten thermoplastic).
Sustainability advantage: By eliminating spray painting, this standard reduces VOC emissions by up to 90% and minimizes waste from overspray. This is compliant with global standards such as REACH and RoHS and appeals to environmentally conscious manufacturers.

In terms of performance, the Mitsubishi ES-X63131 standard reflects a high glass transition temperature, surpassing typical thermoplastics and providing chemical resistance to polar solvents. Thickness options ranging from 50 to 200 microns balance stiffness with formability.

The Mitsubishi ES-X63131 standard is specifically designed for rigid thermoplastics requiring durability, aesthetics, and resistance to environmental influences, and is generally compatible with other Mitsubishi standards for films that provide pencil-hard surface coatings, excellent printability, and seamless integration via injection molding.

The versatility of the Mitsubishi ES-X63131 standard stands out in demanding sectors dominated by rigid thermoplastics. In the automotive industry, it provides a premium soft-touch feel without the need for artificial leather coverings when used in interior trim such as door panels and console covers. For exterior parts like wheel arches, its impact resistance and color fastness ensure long-lasting durability against road salt and sunlight.

Consumer electronics are ideal for smartphone cases or device enclosures, taking advantage of their electrical insulation properties and fingerprint-resistant surfaces. In the construction industry, this standard laminates rigid PVC sheets for cladding, offering a paint-like surface that is easier to maintain than coated metals.

A significant example is its integration with aluminum composite materials. Similar films enhance rigidity and fire retardancy for architectural facades. With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, this standard contributes to meeting CAFE standards (regulations defining average fuel economy requirements) without compromising aesthetics.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "Mitsubishi ES-X63131 Paint Film for Rigid Thermoplastic Parts" standard.